Man confesses to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer program
A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing Leicestershire Police's handling of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
